This is when I wish I could see your faces as you read today’s post. I wish we could sit across the table from one another, a good cup of coffee in hand or your beverage of choice, and discuss the different things we want to commit to this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if losing weight, getting out of debt, running a marathon, or giving up (fill in the blank) would arise in our conversation. I love stuff like this. Setting goals and putting in the blood, sweat, and tears to achieve them. And it’s in these first few days and weeks of the new year that the sky really does seem like the limit for us. Nothing appears to be out of reach. We set our goals high and shoot for the stars. Come February and March, we quickly find out who is still going strong.
Well, I have a confession to make. Are you ready for this one? I’m not much of a New Year’s resolution maker. Don’t get me wrong. I have vision, goals, and dreams come every January 1st, but I often hesitate in making a solitary New Year’s resolution. In fact, it’s been years since I have. This past year, however, has been one that has so marked me to my core, I’ve spent the past few weeks really pondering what I would commit to for this coming year…if I were the type. ☺
2014 was a year of lessons learned, some incredibly encouraging and others overwhelmingly difficult. There simply is no way for me to sum up all that the Lord taught me throughout those twelve months, but a common thread throughout would have to be this:
Keep short accounts.
“What do you mean by that, Cherie?” Well, I’m glad you asked.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Keep short accounts.
If there is one resolution that I would desire to keep each and every year, it would be just that. Forgive quickly. The time allowed to lapse between the offense and the choice to forgive creates rich soil for bitterness to take deep root. Keep short accounts. Maintain an attitude of forgiveness just as you have been forgiven by Christ.
Refuse to be offended.
Release others of your expectations of them.
Choose to expect from God instead.
Walk in love.
How about that for a New Year’s resolution?
I am so in love with this post! Do you mind if I steal this resolution? Happy New Year!
Of course I don’t mind! Happy New Year!
I’ve been purposing to do this daily for years. I know I’ve mentioned this before but the book ” Bait of Satan” by John Bevere is an excellent book on this subject.